Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Make easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli! This simple recipe features tender beef and broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish brings comfort food to a new level with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures the beef is meltingly tender while the broccoli retains its vibrant color and crunch, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a savory-sweet sauce that delights the palate.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dinner. It works well as a main dish or in meal prep!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish, making it great for families.
- Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise slicing of beef for even cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing ingredients safely.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Make easy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli! This simple recipe features tender beef and broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs beef flank steak, thinly sliced (Strongly consider substituting 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes for better results with slow cooking)
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– Cooked rice, for serving
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– (Implied: 1-2 tbsp cold water for cornstarch slurry if using)
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
soy sauce
brown sugar
beef broth
minced garlic
grated ginger
Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the sliced beef at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over it evenly. Add broccoli florets on top.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let it cook for about 6 hours or until the beef is tender.
Step 5: Thicken Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last half hour of cooking.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, serve your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli over warm rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra touch!
Enjoy your flavorful Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli meal!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Serving Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli can elevate your dining experience. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with various sides or garnishes.
Serve with Rice
- Serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a filling meal.
Garnish with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
Pair with Noodles
- Use cooked noodles as an alternative to rice, making it a more Asian-inspired dish.
Create a Stir-Fry Bowl
- Mix the beef and broccoli with other vegetables to create a vibrant stir-fry bowl.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Top your dish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh finish.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, consider these helpful tips.
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Choose the right cut of beef: Using flank steak or chuck roast ensures tenderness during slow cooking.
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Slice meat thinly: Thin slices allow the beef to absorb flavors while cooking.
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Adjust seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust soy sauce or sugar levels to your liking.
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Thicken sauce if desired: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Cook on low for best flavor: Cooking on low heat enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully over time.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli can enhance the meal. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant option that complements the savory sauce perfectly.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes add richness that balances the dish’s flavor profile.
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Stir-Fried Snow Peas: Quick-fried snow peas offer a crunchy texture that pairs well with tender beef.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad that provides a nice contrast in flavors and textures.
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Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to make a quick fried rice, incorporating eggs and extra veggies for more nutrition.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add an earthy flavor that complements the dish while adding nutritional value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Skipping the marinating: Not allowing the beef to marinate in the sauce can lead to less flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for better results.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling the slow cooker too much can cause uneven cooking. Make sure to leave enough space for steam.
- Using high heat settings: Cooking on high heat can make the beef tough. Use low heat for tender results.
- Not cutting vegetables evenly: Unevenly cut broccoli may result in some pieces being overcooked while others are undercooked. Aim for similar sizes for even cooking.
- Neglecting to thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, don’t forget the cornstarch slurry. Mix it with cold water before adding it to your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak is great, but beef chuck works well too. It becomes tender during slow cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it towards the end of cooking time.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
It typically takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli?
Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a comforting dish that’s easy to customize. You can add other vegetables or adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, an effortless dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe features tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef paired with vibrant broccoli all enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce that highlights the best of Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak (or chuck roast)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Layer sliced beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Top with broccoli florets.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until beef is tender.
- For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir in during the last half hour of cooking.
- Serve over warm rice, garnished with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
